A/N: Having finally awakened from a tryptophan and birthday cake induced stupor. I realized that I have not updated this story in a few weeks. Please accept my humble apologies. T_T I would say that it won't happen again, but Christmas is coming, so there it is. ^_^

As usual, I wish to thank Oyukki Konno-san for creating such a wondeful world to come and play in.

I also wish to welcome the following people to my slowly expanding crowd of story groupies: Taramilia, Isisk, timebeckons, Daisuki-Ongaku, AustrianAnimeFan, sashikoxshizuma, Syssy25, and the ever poplular Guest. (Who seems to be really getting around these days!) Thank you all for your continued support and comments!

Now I'm off for some much deserved sake and chocolate. Enjoy the chapter!

And now, back to our story...

Confrontation – Chapter 7

Sachiko's In

As Sachiko was contemplating her chances to redeem herself, Ogasawara Tooru was arriving back at the estate after his visit to see Kashiwagi and his family.

Sayako greeted him at the door. "How did it go?" She asked him.

"Easier than I anticipated." He replied. "Suguru-san was reluctant to come out with it, but after some coaxing he admitted to the truth of the rumors. He was rather relieved actually to have finally dealt with it."

Sayako smiled at the news. "Then that is a good thing."

"Yes it is." Tooru said. "Apparently, he was also aware of the relationship between Sa-chan and Yumi-chan as well." Sayako raised her eyebrows at this. "He was not aware that they were dating, but he was aware that they had feelings for each other back at Lillian. Which is why he waited so long to admit to his true nature. He did not want to bring attention to Sa-chan for fear of outing their relationship before she was ready. He really does care about them. He is also very happy that they are together now."

"Oh good!" was Sayako's response. "And the agreement?"

Tooru nodded and continued. "The Kashiwagi's and I amended the current agreement to everyone's satisfaction. His parents were equally relieved to hear about Suguru's confession. The increasing rumors about him had them extremely concerned. They knew it was only a matter of time and that it would not be in either of our interests for the issue to remain buried for much longer."

"Wonderful. How about the wedding ceremony?" Sayako asked.

"It will be a disengagement party. There simply is not enough time." Tooru replied wryly. That garnered a smile from Sayako. "It cannot be helped." She replied.

"And on that note; Sa-chan?" Tooru asked.

Sayako gave him a big smile. "She will be speaking with you this afternoon. Be prepared my husband."

Tooru raised an eyebrow at her statement. "Oh? I take it then that our family will soon be graced with the arrival of a second daughter?"

If it was physically possible, Sayako's smile blossomed even brighter. "Most definitely, yes."

Tooru allowed himself his own bright smile. "Good, good. That makes my other plan that much easier."

Sayako looked to her husband with uncertainty, asking. "What other plan?"

Maintaining his smile, Tooru replied with flair. "Why, the opening of the Ogasawara Advanced Business and Management Training Institute of course." Seeing his wife's face cloud over with confusion, he clarified. "To be operated expressly for the benefit of its sole student; one Fukuzawa Yumi." He finished by giving her a wink.

Sayako's face brightened again in understanding. "Oh Tooru…" She said.

-0-0-

Later, Tooru sat in his study awaiting the arrival of his daughter. He was very happy for Sachiko and Yumi. However, until Sachiko stated her intentions plainly, he couldn't let on that he was already aware of them. He hated that he would have to play the part of the 'bad guy' again. For her own good however, she would have to stand on her own and make her demands heard. The Ogasawara companies made several billion yen a year. As the future chairwoman, her ability to lead depended on how well she handled difficult and sometimes distasteful issues. Tooru wondered how long he would be able to play the charade before he gave in to his better judgement. He allowed himself a small smile at his perception of Sachiko's response.

Like his wife, he heard Sachiko's approach. 'The tigress is on the hunt.' He thought wryly as he awaited the approaching storm that was about to hit his study. The steps came to a halt and were replaced by three loud solid knocks on his door. The intensity surprised him. 'Well, here goes…' he thought as he said. "Enter."

-0-0-

As Sachiko walked towards her father's study, she tried to calm her nerves. This was the first big step. To tell her father where she really stood on the marriage to Suguru and the relationship she and Yumi shared.

"Yumi…" She said softly. The thought of her imouto and girlfriend did wonders for her resolve and determination. Truthfully, she wasn't sure which would be the bigger obstacle to over come with her father. She had to surmount both to get what she wanted. 'I will not lose Yumi.' She thought as she stopped in front of the study door. 'I will not lose Yumi because I. Love. You.' She punctuated the last three words of her thoughts with three loud knocks on the door.

-0-0-

Sachiko walked over and stood in front of her father's desk. Her hands demurely clasped behind her back. "Father." She said firmly.

Tooru looked up at her from the paperwork he was reading. "Daughter." He replied.

"There is something I need to discuss with you." She began. "Concerning the wedding."

Tooru sat back in his chair and said. "Go on."

Sachiko took a deep breath as she clasped her hands tighter. "I want to cancel it."

Tooru raised an eyebrow. "Cancel it? That is not an option under the arrangement. Don't you mean postpone it?" He asked.

"No." She replied with conviction. "I clearly stated what I meant. I want it cancelled. Additionally, I want the engagement with Suguru to be terminated, permanently. Both are to be effective immediately."

Tooru folded his arms over his chest and studied her for several moments. "And why Sa-chan, would I do such a thing at this late date? The ceremony is only three weeks away. It is too late to recall the invitations or cancel the event at the venue we have procured. Are you having the jitters about marrying your cousin?"

Sachiko was beginning to fidget even though this was going the way she expected. "There are several reasons for my request. In any case, no, it is not because of the 'jitters' as you put it." She replied.

"Before I ask for those reasons, you do remember that the wedding is intended to seal a business arrangement made almost two decades ago. What of that? Do you have concerns about their businesses or their contracts?" He asked her.

Sachiko shook her head. "We can move forward with the other aspects of that agreement father. I have no immediate interest or concern beyond the annulment of those portions that relate to the engagement, the marriage, and any resulting heirs." She told him.

Tooru continued to look at her in thought. "Hmmm… We shall see about that, after I hear your reasons. So please, enlighten me…"

Sachiko cleared her throat nervously as she began. "Primarily, neither Suguru nor I want this marriage to occur. It is an agreement that was made before we were even born. And it is being forced upon us by our respective families without regard to our wants and needs. We simply do not love each other in the way a husband and wife should to make a successful partnership. Nor is it likely that we ever will, given the circumstances of the engagement."

Tooru just nodded at her remarks. After collecting herself, Sachiko continued to outline her argument. "Secondly, there is the matter of Suguru's extracurricular activities. Regardless of his preference for members of his own sex, I will simply not tolerate it. I find the straying outside of an established relationship to be offensive. I know of your mistresses father, and while I love you a great deal, it bothers me that you would have so little regard for mother to keep them." She gave her father a cold look as she told him her feelings.

Tooru again nodded his head, saying. "I understand. Go on."

"Lastly." She said with no small amount of trepidation. "While I do not know about Suguru, there is someone else that I do love a great deal. Someone that, were I allowed to do so, I would choose as my spouse."

Tooru smiled inwardly at her statement. He was aware that she was being tactful in mentioning her interest in another without directly mentioning the person. 'Two can play that game.' He thought. "And what of this person?" He asked her. "Who are they? Do they come from an honorable family? What benefit would they bring to our family and businesses that would justify releasing you and Suguru from the arrangement?"

"The one I love does come from an honorable family." She replied. "Though they are not as well placed as we are financially, they do value family, hard work, and ethical behavior. This person will one day take over their family business. They are also loyal to a fault. The family owns a fairly successful architecture firm here in the prefecture. As for what this person can do, initially they could assist me in the day-to-day running of the companies. I believe that in time and with the proper training, I am sure they would not only become a valuable asset to our companies but to our family as well." She finished proudly.

Tooru nodded appreciatively at her words. "You have piqued my interest in this person Sa-chan. They do sound like an admirable candidate. However, I find it disturbing that you have yet to tell me their name. How am I supposed to judge the character of this person or the veracity of your words if they are a mystery? Do I know this person? Have we met before? Please fully explain it to me Sa-chan."

Sachiko was now visibly uncomfortable with the conversation. However, she knew she had no other choice but to tell him and wait for his reaction. "Hai, you have met before and yes, you do know the… um, you do know her."

Tooru abruptly sat forward and seized the opportunity when he heard it. "Her?! Did I hear you correctly Sa-chan? The person of whom you are speaking is a woman?"

Sachiko nodded her head apprehensively. "Hai. A woman she is."

"How am I to maintain the honor of this family and our company with you doing such a thing?" He asked her with a scowl. 'Come on Sa-chan.' He thought. 'Give me a reason, something to show some dedication and loyalty to Yumi-chan!'

"Why?" Sachiko responded. "Simply because I love her. She is all that I need or want. There is no other reason."

Continuing to stare at her, Tooru asked. "So you intend to pursuit her against my wishes? No doubt against father's opposition as well? No matter what damage it does to you, to her or our families?"

Sachiko nodded. "Yes. There is no other person for me. I will not entertain any other offers of marriage. Let me be clear father, I will not marry anyone else."

Tooru nodded slowly for effect. Not giving anything away, he quietly asked her. "Are you going to continue to test my patience Sa-chan? What is her name? Who is this woman that has made you defy us? Who dares to steal my Sa-chan's heart?"

Fighting back tears, Sachiko swallowed hard and gave a sigh before answering. "Fukuzawa Yumi-desu." The fear was evident on her face as she stared down at her father's desk avoiding eye contact with him.

Without dropping his scowl, Tooru answered with surprise in his voice as he asked. "Yumi-chan? Your petite-soeur from Lillian?"

Sachiko nodded silently. Waiting for the anger she was sure was coming.

Tooru gave her a look of disbelief. Inwardly, he was proud of his daughter for admitting her relationship with Yumi. Finally he said. "Have you thought this through Sa-chan? Are you prepared for whatever consequences this may incur as a result of your decision?" Receiving another silent nod, he asked her again. "How am I supposed to allow this relationship? How will I explain it?" He paused but received no further answers from Sachiko. Knowing that she would not likely deviate from her original response, he decided to end the charade and let her have her way. He relaxed his face and said. "Well, at least she is cute…"

Sachiko's head snapped up to look at her father at his response. She wondered if she had really heard what it was that he had just said. "Excuse me?" she asked.

Tooru smiled at her. "I said: at least she is cute. And, if I may add, you are correct; she does have ethics and comes from an honorable family. And, if I may be a little bit of an egotistical parent for a moment, she has good taste in her choice of a girlfriend."

Sachiko lapsed into a very unladylike response as her jaw dropped open. She had no idea how to respond to her father's words.

Tooru chuckled at Sachiko's confusion and reaction. "I only have a few concerns Sa-chan." He paused for a moment. "Does she make you happy?"

Breaking from her stupor, Sachiko slowly nodded a yes.

"And she is happy with you?" He asked. This time, he received an enthusiastic nod. "Good." He said. "And you are sure that this…no...that she is who you really want a future with?" Again Sachiko nodded and replied "Hai." Tooru smiled at his daughter again. "Then I am sorry to say that I have no choice but to annul those portions of the agreement as you requested…"

Sachiko's eyed popped wide at his statement. She could scarcely believe her fortune. "Seriously?" she asked him.

"Yes my daughter." Tooru chuckled. "Despite what you may think, I have seen the changes that the 'Yumi Effect' has had upon you these last few years. Considering the miserable creature you were before, I could not be happier with them."

Sachiko blushed at this before she asked. "Okay then. Then, I do have another issue that I want to address. This directly affects the agreement."

"Go on." Tooru replied.

She cleared her throat and gave her father an even gaze. "The position's of CEO and Chairman are mine. I do not care if the board approves or not. I do not want Suguru-kun to run the company in my place. I would like him to remain on the board if he wishes, with the stipulation that he cannot assume either position unless I directly appoint him to one or the other. At that, such appointment can be cancelled as I see fit."

Tooru smiled at his daughter's shrewdness. He had suspected that she would ask this and had already made changes to that effect into the amendment. "As you wish daughter. I would prefer that the company remain within the immediate family. Not that I don't have faith in Suguru-san. It is just my, or rather, I should say 'our' preference."

Sachiko returned his smile, saying. "Thank you father."

"There is one other thing Sa-chan." Tooru began. "You know that eventually an heir must be produced. You and Yumi-chan need not make a decision as yet. But you will have to address that issue at some point. I trust that you have at least thought about that."

"I have." Sachiko answered. "I have an idea or two that should satisfy the requirements of the agreement. As you said, eventually I will share these with Yumi. I hope she will be as understanding as I believe she is."

Tooru raised his eyebrow in question.

Sachiko blushed again. "Well, she does have a brother. And we could use one of our other male cousin's as a donor for Yumi. If all else fails, there is always adoption."

"Suguru-san is not an option?" He asked her.

"Definitely not in my case and I believe that would be an unwanted scenario for Yumi as well." She replied. "However, the future is never certain, is it?"

"No it isn't." He replied. "Very well." He paused for a moment in thought. "Sa-chan?" He asked.

"Yes?"

"About the mistresses…" He started.

"You need not fill me in on the details father." She said coolly.

"Yes I do." He told her. "There is something I need to clarify. Something you should have been told about years ago." He paused again. "Sa-chan, they work for me."

Sachiko gave him a confused look. "You mean they're paid to entertain you?"

"No! I do not pay them to do that!" Tooru quickly corrected her. "They're employees. Have you not noticed them at our company functions? Some of them are now mid-level managers in our company."

"Are you kidding me?" Why?!" Sachiko demanded.

"They are spies and informants. They were all recruited from within our company Sa-chan. They also volunteered for the position." He answered. "They are paid to obtain information on our competitors. On occasion, they also use the cover of being one of my mistresses to pass misinformation to those same competitors. Your mother is aware of their true purpose. That is why she has tolerated them all this time."

Sachiko was in a mild state of shock. "So you never…"

"Not once." Tooru interrupted. "There has never been anyone else."

Sachiko took a deep breath. "My mistake." It was all she could think of to tell him.

Tooru smiled at his daughter. "An understandable one. Do not be too hard on yourself. After all, you may need such services in the future as well." Sachiko shot him a disbelieving look. "Although I would strongly advise you to discuss with Yumi-chan first. You wouldn't want a repeat of last week's disagreement would you?" He finished with a smirk.

Sachiko shook her head no and smiled as she began to come around the desk. For the first time since she was a child, she hugged her father tightly as she said. "Arigato-gozaimasu. For everything."

Tooru relished the feeling as he hugged her in return. This was the daughter he remembered and loved. The one he would do anything to continue seeing.

Releasing her, he leaned back and looked up at her. "Sa-chan, there is another concern we have to address. I know you want to give Yumi-chan the good news right away, but can you please wait until the day of the ceremony?"

Sachiko gave him a suspicious look. "Why?"

"You and I both know that father has an uncanny ability to know a lot of things that he shouldn't. I do not know if he has informants here in the house or at the school you attend. I hate to ask you to keep it a secret, but until all the details are finalized and the guests have arrived that day, I do not want him to find out about the annulment."

Sachiko nodded her understanding. Grandfather did seem to know things he should not be privy to.

Tooru continued. "You are going to have to maintain the facade until then that you and Yumi-chan are having a disagreement. You will also need to act as though you are still getting married against your will. Can you do that?"

Sachiko gave her father an evil smile. "Thanks to Touko-chan's acting lessons, I most certainly can."

Her smile gave Tooru the chills. She certainly was his daughter. "Good. Once the ceremony is underway, it will become a 'disengagement' party for you and Suguru-san. Maybe you could 'confess' to Yumi-chan and make it a coming out party as well?" The last part garnered a big smile from Sachiko.

"Hai, as you wish father." Sachiko told him. She then stood up and asked. "May I be excused to go tell mother the good news?" Tooru smiled and nodded yes. With that Sachiko turned and almost danced out of his study. As she closed the door behind her, Tooru started chuckling and shaking his head. 'Yes.' He thought. 'This is the right thing to do.' He then turned back to the work on his desk, whistling happily as he did.

-0-0-

Sayako could have sworn that a star had fallen and landed in her study. Such was the glow that emanated from her daughter's face as she entered the room. She smiled as she asked. "I take it all went well then? You are a single woman again?"

Sachiko said. "Yes!" and gave an excited squeal.

Sayako could only smile at Sachiko's antics. It filled her with joy to see her daughter acting in this way. "Did your father have any concerns?" She asked.

Sachiko calmed down a little and told her. "Yes. I need to keep quiet about this until the day of the ceremony. I want to tell Yumi so badly though. I do not think she would tell anyone."

Sayako nodded her understanding. "She wouldn't have to with that face of hers. Everyone this side of Tokyo would figure it out in a matter of minutes."

Sachiko gave a thoughtful nod at her mother's statement. "True. Perhaps I should wait then."

Sayako added. "I know it will be hard, but it's necessary. We both want this to work out for you and Yumi-chan. We have no idea how your grandfather might find out about this. Be strong. Even if he confronts you about Yumi-chan, you will have to maintain your silence. I know you can do this Sa-chan. You are an Ogasawara after all."

Sachiko nodded her understanding as she said. "That I am. But I like to think that a great deal of that is due in part to my mother." She finished with a grin.

Sayako smiled at her daughter. "Although, knowing how Yumi-chan was last week. She may not wait that long…" She conceded. "I know, you could tell her that you have told your father of your demands, but that he has made no decision as of yet."

Sachiko nodded in agreement. "Then I will do that. I will pray that she has the patience to wait until then."

"All right then." Sayako said. "Shall we go to the kitchen and see what the staff is surprising us with for dinner tonight?" Sachiko nodded a yes and they both proceeded out of the study and down the hall.

-0-0-

Later that evening as Sachiko sat in her room, she contemplated what message to send to Yumi. She had decided to text Yumi, as she would surely pick up on any deception in her voice. She was too good at that sometimes she thought with amusement.

She finally settled on simplicity. She entered the message and hit send.

Sachiko: [It's done. They know.]

Yumi: [And?]

Sachiko: [Waiting for his decision.]

Yumi: [No rush. Not like there is a deadline is there?]

Sachiko shook her head in annoyance. 'What the hell did she expect?' she thought. Even though the delay was her fault, she still felt some resentment at Yumi's response. 'Well, she doesn't know everything, so I can't really be mad at her. Still, I have to act the part don't I?' She mused.

Sachiko: [My objection could cost us both. I may still have to marry him. I hope you're happy. By the way, you're welcome. Goodnight.]

Sachiko closed out her phone and tossed it on her desk. She ignored the chime of Yumi's response as she went to take a shower.

-0-0-

Written:11/23/2014 Posted:12/13/2014.